Can intense electromagnetic fields attract lightning?

Answer 1

Lightning occurs when there is a large difference in charge between the ground and storm-clouds. This acts similar to a huge capacitor. When the potential difference becomes large enough, lightning arcs from the ground to the clouds.

So there is already an electric field in the air under a storm-cloud. A magnetic field can produce its own electric field. The addition of these two electric fields may increase the potential difference enough to cause a lightning arc is the superimposed E-field is large enough.

Answer 2

Intense electromagnetic fields can attract lightning by creating a path of least resistance for the electrical discharge to follow. This is known as "lightning induction" and can occur near tall structures or objects that generate strong electromagnetic fields. Lightning tends to strike objects that facilitate the discharge of built-up electrical energy in the atmosphere.